Ellie Threlkeld is one of the best wicket-keepers in the country, says Sarah Taylor

Ellie Threlkeld, Lancashire and Thunder player, is one of the best wicket-keepers in the country. Taylor and Threlkeld played together for Lancashire Thunder during 2017 season in the now defunct Women's Cricket Super League (WCSL). The 31-year-old Taylor lauded her former teammate's wicket-keeping abilities.

“She has got phenomenal hands - one of the best in the country. The talent has always been there. The next thing you know, she scores a fifty, gets more experience, and knows her game a bit more," Taylor was quoted as saying on Lancashire Cricket Club website.

“She’s a natural keeper. I may be biased, but I want to see as many of those as possible in the game. I would rather an out and out keeper in a T20 side any day of the week."

Threlkeld made her Lancashire debut as an under-13 player in 2010 and made her county debut in 2013. She has played 48 List A matches and 75 T20s. Last week, she became the first wicket-keeper to claim 50 dismissals in T20 cricket for Lancashire.

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Taylor retired from international cricket in 2019 and hasn't played domestic cricket since then. She announced her comeback to domestic cricket when she signed up to play for Welsh Fire in ECB's new competition The Hundred that's scheduled to start in July this year. Threlkeld will be appearing for Manchester Originals in the competition.

Taylor, who played for England in 226 internationals, believes Threlkeld has the ability to play at the highest level even though the competition for the wicket-keeping spot is high with the options England have.

“I think it will be a challenge because of the options England have behind the stumps. There’s Amy Jones, who has the gloves, and Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield-Hill can also do that job. Jonesy has plenty of cricket left in her as well. But do I think Ellie has the ability to play at that level, of course, I do," Taylor concluded.